Long Beach mayor welcomes AOPALong Beach mayor welcomes AOPA

October 21, 2000

Long Beach mayor welcomes AOPA

Long Beach Mayor Beverly O'Neill welcomed AOPA to her city Friday, noting that Southern California has the highest concentration of GA pilots in the nation. "We just knew this was the right place for you," she told the AOPA Expo 2000 Opening Luncheon.

Citing the city's rich aviation history, she said the Long Beach Airport is the world's second busiest general aviation airport.

She read portions of an official city proclamation noting that AOPA has "served as the voice of general aviation since 1939," recognizing that AOPA "makes safety in flying a prime concern," and that AOPA, "through its Air Safety Foundation and the city's Airport Bureau, have formed a unique and successful partnership in addressing runway safety enhancements at the Long Beach Airport." The city commended AOPA for "its contributions to aviation, for its support of Long Beach Airport's 'Fly Friendly' and 'Fly Safely' efforts, and for its selection of our beautiful city as its Expo 2000 venue."